By draining the then-fetid Nor' Loch below the Royal Mile, between Old and New Towns, the city created its most magnificent outdoor public space: The Princes Street Gardens. The banks are steep but grassy and great for a quick bit of sun, should it shine. In wintertime, there is usually an ice rink set up and often part of the park is used for various food and gift markets. With Edinburgh Castle above, this has to be one of the most photographed parks in Europe.